Ice, rain, snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your car. To keep your family safe on the slippery roads this winter, it’s important to take a few simple winterization steps. According to the International Carwash Association, proper maintenance can also go a long way in helping preserve the investment in your vehicle.
- Switch engine oil: Oil lubricates the engine so it can function properly, but not all automobile oil is the same. If you live in a cold climate, consider switching to a thinner, less viscous oil. For example, a 10W-30 might be ideal for hot summer weather, but a thicker 5W-30 is better for when temperatures dip below freezing. Ask your auto mechanic what is recommended and refer to the manufacturer’s manual for more insight.
- Maintain a car wash routine: Due to the presence of ice, salt and sand on the roads, washing your vehicle in the winter is even more important than the summer. Getting a car wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature begins to drop can be your first line of defense against winter elements. Vehicular corrosion occurs most quickly when the temperature rises and falls below freezing. The International Carwash Association recommends finding a car wash that is part of the WaterSavers® program. There are more than 1,500 environmentally friendly car washes worldwide enrolled in the program that meet water quality and usage standards. These car washes use 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car. Find a participating car wash near you. We signed up for monthly unlimited car wash service in our area and it’s pretty fantastic. Happy to see they are on this list of locations.
- Check the battery: Cold weather can take a toll on your car’s battery. Before you get stranded, give your battery a once-over to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. Check the cables, terminals and fluid and look for anything abnormal. Some battery retailers will conduct a complementary car battery assessment if you’d prefer an expert analysis. We just recently replaced our battery. Great timing before winter hits.
- Update engine coolant: Just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean your engine can’t overheat. To protect your engine against corrosion and to help ensure it doesn’t overheat, ask your car technician to change to a coolant with ethylene glycol which has antifreeze properties. While replacing coolants, ask the technician to make sure all fluids are topped off, including window washer solution.
- Get a grip on tire safety: If you live in an area where winter means driving in snow and ice, it’s critical to check your tires to keep you and your passengers safe. Each tire should have an adequate amount of tread to properly grip the road. You can easily see if new tires are needed with the penny test — hold a penny head down in the center tread. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have less than 2/32-inch tread and it’s time for new tires. Also be sure to your tires are properly inflated to ensure optimum handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Taking the time to properly winterize your car not only ensures the comfort and safety of you and your family but also helps you maintain the value of your car for many winters to come.
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Carwash Association.
We drain our garden hoses and bring them inside.
My husband checks the tire.
Top off fluids, and make sure my tires have decent tread. We have very mild winters in Southern AZ 🙂
I get out the littles coats and mittens and hats and make sure they are clean and will still fit!
I put a blanket in the car, check the tires
I check all the fluids.
I make sure the oil and fluids are changed, the WIPERS are in good order, and some blankets are in the back seat for the kids.
We check the fluids in the car and we always check the airs in the tires.
We get ready for winter by having the oil changed and fluids checked.
we clean the chimney!
We get our winter clothes and blankets out.
We check the fluids, make sure we have the jack in the back, antifreeze, and a blanket.
We check the tires and get an oil change!
We don’t really get cold enough to need to do anything to our vehicles or anything. We don’t usually do anything to get ready!
I do an oil change and get my car serviced.
Thanks for the chance to win !
I am not a fan of winter, so I always make sure I have a half a tank of gas or more before I leave home. Make sure I have my extra blankets easy available at home & in thecar.thanks for the giveaway!
Faythe M.A
I get ready for Winter by switching to studded snow tires and putting emergency supplies in the car trunk.
We always get everything inspected on the car before winter. OIl change, tire rotation.
We put snow tires on our cars to get ready for winter.
I take my car in to get checked up on!
Rotate tires before the snow.
We get the oil changed and fluids checked, and make sure each car has a snow brush/ice scraper in it.
I have my hubby check my tires and wiper blades.
I get my car checked out & put an emergency kit in it.
I always make sure to have a full tank of gas, ice scraper, and full windshield wiper fluid!
Wash, wax and touch up paint spots on our cars so they don’t rust from the salt.
I get an oil change, check my tire pressure, and make sure my scraper is handy!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
We always get an oil change and checkup on our car before the snow flies.
I get out my sweaters and boots….check the woodpile….and check the fluid levels in my car.
I make sure I have a first aid kit and blankets in my vehicle.
I put a coat, gloves and earmuffs in my car.
We switch the tires and put a winter kit in the car.
We switch to snow tires and make sure to have a blanket in the car.
I put snow tires on my car and add wind shield wiper fluid too.
I get my car winterized .
and update the emergency bag for the car.
We get the car serviced and check the tires.
Check fluids and air up the tires
We always make sure there are plenty of blankets, snacks and an ice scraper in the car.
I change the oil.
My husband checks the tire pressure.
We fill our oil tank and get lots of firewood ready for winter. I also make sure to have the tires on my car checked.
I make sure to have my winter tires on to give me added traction in the snow and ice, and I make sure that my coolant is at the proper temperature to make sure that my car can handle the freezing temps.
We switch our tires. We get our snow tires on our vehicle to feel safer.
I live in Michigan so I ensure I have salt, a flashlight, blanket, battery charger, candles and a my ice scraper handy throughout the winter.
To get ready for winter, I make sure that my tires are in good condition, fluids (especially windshield washer) is full, and I have an ice scraper, boots, gloves, and blanket in the vehicle.
I make sure my tires have good tread on them for winter driving.
I check tire condition and pressure, change all fluids, tune up.